Say Goodbye to 3 PM Slump with These Filling Lunches

Looking for some new lunch ideas that will keep you full and give you energy? These high-protein recipes are great for any day. They are simple to make and really satisfying. You can prepare them ahead of time for your busy week. Each dish is packed with good flavor and the protein you need to power through your afternoon.

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Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Bowls of salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, avocados, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens on a white surface. A small bowl of sliced strawberries and a glass of creamy dressing are nearby, along with gold forks and a napkin. — Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad. Photo by Haute and Healthy Living

This salad is full of fresh fruits like strawberries and mandarin oranges. It is all tossed with a sweet poppyseed dressing and crunchy pecans for a great mix.
Get the recipe: Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

A large glass goblet is filled with a shrimp cocktail garnished with cilantro. The dish includes shrimp, onions, and herbs in a tomato-based sauce. A bowl with more of the cocktail is in the background, along with lime wedges and a jalapeño on the table. — Coctel de Camaron. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This shrimp cocktail is refreshing with a tasty tomato-based sauce. It is a light and cool choice for a protein-filled lunch or a quick snack.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Ensalada de Atun (Mexican Tuna Salad)

A wooden bowl filled with a creamy tuna salad, garnished with a sprig of cilantro, is placed on a wooden platter alongside square and triangular crackers. The tuna salad has visible chunks of tuna, diced tomatoes, onions, and green herbs. — Ensalada de Atun. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This Mexican Tuna Salad is both easy and affordable to make. It comes together quickly for a simple, flavor-packed lunch you will really enjoy.
Get Recipe: Ensalada de Atun

Avocado Egg Salad

Open-faced sandwich with creamy egg salad on a slice of bread, topped with fresh dill and chives, and layered over green lettuce leaves. Lemon slice visible in the background on a white surface. — Avocado Egg Salad. Photo by The Forked Spoon

This twist on egg salad is creamy because it uses avocado. It mixes with hard-boiled eggs and mayo for a rich and easy spread or sandwich filling.
Get the recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Corn Tuna Salad

You can make this lunch in just minutes using pantry staples. This Corn Tuna Salad is a classic, simple mix that is always a reliable choice.
Get the recipe: Corn Tuna Salad

Panda Express Beijing Beef

A plate of kimchi bulgogi is served with white rice. The bulgogi is garnished with chopped green onions. Wooden chopsticks are placed beside the rice on a white rectangular plate. — Panda Express Beijing Beef. Photo by CopyKat Recipes

It features crispy beef strips and veggies in a sweet and spicy sauce. Serve this Panda Express Beijing Beef over rice for a hearty and tasty meal.
Get the recipe: Panda Express Beijing Beef

Pollo al Cilantro

This is a flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a bright cilantro sauce. Pollo al Cilantro is a delicious way to enjoy your chicken with a fresh herb flavor.
Get the recipe: Pollo al Cilantro

Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

A bowl of shredded chicken salad with avocado, cucumber, celery, red onion, and cilantro. The salad is seasoned with pepper and other spices. Two wooden utensils are placed on the side of the bowl. — Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe. Photo by My Chefs Apron

This chicken salad uses olive oil and lemon juice instead of mayo. It has fresh herbs and is great for eating alone or in a sandwich.
Get the recipe: Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

Shrimp Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad topped with shrimp, croutons, and large shavings of parmesan cheese. The salad is drizzled with dressing and surrounded by salt and pepper shakers, a wooden tray with cheese slices, and a fork and knife on a white surface. — Shrimp Caesar Salad. Photo by Running To The Kitchen

This is a classic Caesar salad topped with seasoned shrimp. A little sriracha in the dressing gives this Shrimp Caesar Salad a nice spicy kick.
Get the recipe: Shrimp Caesar Salad

Best Chickpea “Egg” Salad

A bowl of butter chicken topped with yogurt and cilantro. The dish is creamy with an orange-red sauce. Visible are lime wedges, naan, and a plate of rice on the side. A spoon is resting in the bowl. — Best Chickpea “Egg” Salad. Photo by Sunglow Kitchen

It is a fast mix made with simple chickpeas and spices. This Chickpea “Egg” Salad is perfect for sandwiches and ready in just ten minutes.
Get the recipe: Rich Tofu Curry without Coconut Milk

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

A bowl of shell pasta salad with grilled tofu, cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, and edamame on a white surface. A partial view of another bowl with the same salad is visible on the right. — Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad. Photo by Running to the Kitchen

This pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables and cubes of tofu. The tangy balsamic dressing brings all the flavors together for a fresh meal.
Get the recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken

A plate of ground meat stir-fry with red and green peppers sits next to a serving of white rice. A wooden spoon rests on the plate. A green leafy plant decorates the side, and a beige napkin is partially visible. — 15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken. Photo by Greedy Girl Gourmet

You can get dinner on the table in just fifteen minutes. This Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken uses ground chicken and has a bright, tasty flavor.
Get the recipe: 15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken

Healthy California Chicken Salad

A bowl of chicken salad sits on a white table. The salad contains chunks of chicken, celery, red grapes, and walnuts, all mixed with a creamy dressing. The bowl is surrounded by ingredients like walnuts and a sprig of thyme on the table. — California Chicken Salad. Photo by Simple and Fraiche

This chicken salad is a lighter choice with grapes and celery. The creamy dressing for this California Chicken Salad uses Greek yogurt and mayo, making it tasty and easy to pack for later.
Get the recipe: Healthy California Chicken Salad

Brochetas de Camarón (Mexican Shrimp Skewers)

Brochetas de Camarón served on a white plate next to fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. — Brochetas de Camaron. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

These Mexican Shrimp Skewers cook up fast and have so much flavor. You can serve them with a fresh salsa for a really satisfying and simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Brochetas de Camaron

Rich Tofu Curry without Coconut Milk

A sandwich with whole grain bread filled with a creamy chickpea salad and green lettuce. The filling spills slightly between the layers, showcasing a textured, appetizing mix of ingredients. The bread is sprinkled with sesame and sunflower seeds. — Rich Tofu Curry without Coconut Milk. Photo by Sunglow Kitchen

This creamy curry gets its richness from a savory tomato gravy. The chewy tofu cubes in this Rich Tofu Curry make it a filling plant-based meal.
Get the recipe: Best Chickpea “Egg” Salad

Cottage Cheese Pizza Flatbread (Viral Protein Recipe)

A thin-crust pizza topped with pepperoni, cheese, and chopped chives, sliced into eight pieces and served on a white plate. Surrounding the plate are small dishes, including one with a creamy white sauce. — Cottage Cheese Pizza Flatbread. Photo by Basics With Bails

This flatbread uses cottage cheese in the crust for a protein boost. It is topped with marinara, cheese, and pepperoni for a fun and healthier pizza taste.
Get the recipe: Cottage Cheese Pizza Flatbread (Viral Protein Recipe)

Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers

A bowl of cauliflower rice with ground meat, green and red bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. A spoon rests in the bowl, which is placed on a white surface near a beige napkin. — Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers. Photo by 100 Days of Real Food

All the flavors of stuffed peppers come together in one simple skillet. This deconstructed version is a hearty and easy meal you can make quickly.
Get the recipe: Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers

10 Minute Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry

A bowl of white rice topped with cooked chicken pieces, red bell peppers, and chopped green onions. Fresh green chives are placed next to the bowl on a white surface. — 10 Minute Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry. Photo credit: Spoons of Flavor.

Fluffy eggs are cooked in a savory tomato sauce in one pan. This Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry is a super fast and comforting lunch choice.
Get the recipe: 10 Minute Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry

Fresh Tuna Cucumber And Ricotta Cheese Salad

A vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion rings, topped with dollops of creamy tuna salad, served on a white plate. — Fresh Tuna Cucumber And Ricotta Cheese Salad. Photo by My Chefs Apron

This salad mixes tuna and ricotta cheese with crisp cucumbers and greens. It is a light and fresh option that still keeps you full and satisfied.
Get the recipe: Fresh Tuna Cucumber And Ricotta Cheese Salad

Easy Falafel Bowls

A wooden bowl filled with salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and falafel drizzled with sauce on a wooden board. Nearby are a bowl of falafel, a small dish with garlic cloves, a lemon wedge, and a glass of water on a white table. — Easy Falafel Bowls. Photo by Living Sweet Moments

These bowls are a hearty and vegan-friendly lunch idea. Easy Falafel Bowls come together with fresh veggies and a tasty falafel for a filling meal.
Get the recipe: Easy Falafel Bowls

Turkey Cottage Cheese Wraps

A close-up of a person holding a wrap cut in half, filled with turkey slices, tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts, and red onions. The ingredients are layered inside a yellow tortilla. The hands are partially visible, gripping both ends of the wrap. — Turkey Cottage Cheese Wraps. Photo by Cottage Cheese Recipes

These wraps are filled with turkey, pesto, and cheese. They get extra protein from cottage cheese and egg whites, making them a powerful lunch option.
Get the recipe: Turkey Cottage Cheese Wraps

Frittata Cavolo

A baked casserole dish filled with layers of melted cheese, sliced tomatoes, green olives, and assorted vegetables sits on a wooden surface. The top is golden brown with visible herbs. — Frittata Cavolo. Photo by Refresh My Health

It is a simple baked egg dish filled with healthy kale. You can enjoy Frittata Cavolo on its own or with a piece of toast for lunch.
Get the recipe: Frittata Cavolo